“Moscow must not be destroyed” is just one of the countless initiatives by the ‘Schusev’ State Museum of Architecture, Moscow, established by the Union of Soviet Architects over 70 years ago, one of the first world examples of specialised museums. To understand the peculiar character of the exhibition we must consider the historical and architectural importance of the Moscow Hotel and at the same time the trends of present day Russian architecture. The Moscow Hotel was built to host the members of the Supreme Soviet while sessions were being held, and, printed on books and postcards, its image immediately became a symbol of the Stalin Era. Setting up the huge building involved pulling down a central quarter neighbouring the Manége and some buildings in Okhotniy Ryad. The very first pictures on display document the originality of the building design and the mastery of architects and builders. If we have a closer look at the building details and at the stately interiors we grasp the importance of this attempt to prevent the Hotel from being destroyed. Art historians and the Schusev Museum’s experts have engaged in a struggle to protect endangered art works and architectural beauties in an age of frantic urban renewal; a hard task, all the more so as they are faced with the challenge of having to defend one of the most imposing monuments of the Stalin era. The preservation of works that witnessed many a tragic event in Russian history and the hopes of countless Russians will take on the meaning of a gift for the public. It is hoped that the images, photographs and original designs of former Moscow Hotel on display will pave the way for its survival.